ODL 285  Mindful Connections: Nurturing Gut and Brain Health for Holistic Well-Being

Created On: 10/2/24  Revised On: 2/4/25

Attention New Jersey Social Workers: 

This course is approved for all social workers, including New Jersey. The Board Adopted Amendments: N.J.A.C. 13:44G-6.3, 6.4, and 6.7 Content Areas for Continuing Education Credit on April 15, 2024. This updates the Board’s regulation. This amendment states that  attendance at programs or courses offered by providers approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) are now acceptable sources of CE credit. 

At the June 12, 2024 public meeting, the Board voted to allow “any applications submitted, or audits which take place, on or after September 1, 2022” to be able “to submit CE from the sources updated in the new amendment adopted on April 15, 2024.”

For more information please refer to https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/sw/Pages/Additional-Information.aspx#CE

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, counselors, nurses, and case managers.

Overview:

Many studies have been conducted showing high prevalence of burnout, compassion fatigue, and moral distress among helping professionals. Specifically, a study by the American Psychological Association found that about 75% of helping professionals reported experiencing burnout. There is also a growing body of research suggesting a connection between good gut health and overall well-being. Focusing on gut and brain health could contribute to a reduction in burnout and compassion fatigue. The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in influencing various aspects of mental health and stress response. Rajitha Bommakanti, RN, BSN, NBC-HWC, CCM, FCN, will provide valuable insights into the intricate connection between gut health, brain health, and overall well-being. Participants will explore practical tips and strategies to enhance both gut and brain health, equipping them with the tools to foster a holistic approach in their personal and professional lives. 

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session – the participant will be able to:

• Discover the scientific foundations of how gut health impacts brain function and emotional well-being
• Name actionable strategies to support and improve gut health
• Apply the knowledge gained to enhance professional effectiveness in the helping field

Presenter:

Rajitha Bommakanti, RN, BSN, NBC-HWC, CCM, FCN

Rajitha Bommakanti, RN, BSN, NBC-HWC, CCM, FCN, and culinary coach, has been practicing nursing for over 30 years in various medical specialties. She currently works as nurse case manager and as national board-certified health and wellness coach. 

In her nursing journey, Rajitha has seen gaps in patient care and the impact chronic medical conditions had on her patients’ quality of life.  She wanted to make a difference, so she moved into a health coaching/transformation space where she is a health partner in educating, inspiring, and empowering people to make small changes to their lives to improve their health. Rajitha is a habit change specialist.

1 CREDIT HOUR APPROVED FOR:

Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 1 CE Credit
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 1 Contact Hour
Counselors
NBCC ACEP – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 1 Contact Hour
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 1 Contact Hour
Case Managers
CCMC – 1 Contact Hour

Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.